California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


GEORGE G. MURRY. A leading attorney of Portersville, George G. Murry is numbered 
among the representative professional men of that city, his position being won by the ability 
which has characterized his efforts. He is likewise distinguished as the son of one of the first 
settlers of the Tule river section, J. P. Murry, known for nearly forty years as one of the most 
prominent stockmen of this vicinity. He made and lost several fortunes in the stock business, 
at his death, however, leaving considerable property to be divided among his heirs. He was one 
of the best known and honored of the early citizens of the country, still retaining a place in the 
affections of those who remember him, although his death occurred some years ago. By mar- 
riage he allied himself with a prominent family of Tulare county, Martha Keeney becoming his 
wife. She was the daughter of John R. Keeney. a pioneer millwright, who helped build the old 
flour mills of Portersville, later becoming sole proprietor until his death. He was prominent 
in public affairs in the county, serving in 1855 as county recorder and later as county clerk. 
Mrs. Murry died June 10, 1900, having survived her husband a little less than a year. 

George G. Murry is the only living child of his parents. He was born in Visalia March 24, 1867, 
his childhood being spent in Portersville and vicinity. He learned the stock business thoroughly, 
in all its details, under the capable instruction of his father, with whom he remained associated 
until 1884. That year he went to New Mexico, and for three years acted as superintendent of a 
ranch owned by George Hearst and J. B. Haggin. Returning then to Portersville, he engaged as a 
clerk in the store of R. Porter Putnam, and later for R. W. McFarland. Deciding to take up the 
study of law, he entered Vanderbilt University, of Nashville, Tenn., in 1893, taking a two years' 
course. Returning home he continued to assist his father until the fall of 1896, when he was 
admitted to practice before the Supreme Court, and opened an office in Portersville. With the 
exception of four years,  from January, 1899, to January, 1903, when he filled the appointment 
of J. A. Allen to the office of deputy district attorney � he has since conducted a general practice 
in Portersville and has met with a gratifying success. In the fall of 1902, in the Republican 
convention, he was unanimously nominated for district attorney, but in the election that followed 
was defeated, as the county went overwhelmingly Democratic. However, he carried his home town 
by a majority of two hundred and forty-five, an increase of more than two hundred over the usual 
Republican majority. Since opening his law office in 1903 he has gained the principal clientele of 
Portersville and vicinity, where he holds high rank for his ability, tact and talent in the line of his 
profession. Throughout his career he has been associated with Judge J. A. Allen in all superior court 
work. Mr. Murry is also a member of the county central committee, and is state committeeman for 
Tulare county, his work in the councils of the party wielding no little influence for the advancement 
of the principles he endorses. 

Mr. Murry also owns a ranch of two hundred and forty acres adjoining Portersville, a part 
of the original Murry homestead, where he still engages in the stock business. On this property 
is located the Portersville Golf grounds, Mr. Murry being a member of the club. Fraternally 
he was made a Mason in Portersville Lodge No. 303, and also belongs to the Order of the Eastern 
Star. He is identified with Visalia Parlor No. 19, Native Sons of the Golden West.